DOZENS of exhibitors including one of Europe’s leading train builders are planning their Durham Oktoberfest 2018 return.
The event, held at the Xcel Centre on October 19, was the most successful yet with over 100 companies showcasing their products and services to an audience of nearly 1,000 people.
And just three weeks after the event, many of those companies who exhibited, including Stadler Rail, have confirmed they are likely to return next year.
Elaine Greenwood is UK Light Rail representative for Swiss manufacturer Stadler’s UK division, which was one of Oktoberfest’s GOLD sponsors alongside Business Durham.
She said: “This year was the first time that Stadler participated in Durham Oktoberfest but it most certainly will not be the last.
“We are very keen to get to know the local suppliers and were delighted to be given that opportunity through this event. It was also very appreciated to be able to showcase ourselves to the area.
“The event was very well organised and more importantly, incredibly well attended and from a very diverse organisational base. We were able to meet potential suppliers but also some charitable organisations that we did not know even existed before this event. It was great for networking and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
The engineering and manufacturing expo attracted record exhibitors and footfall as companies large and small met new contacts, refreshed old acquaintances and showcased some of the best the sectors have to offer.
The event was organised by County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN) with the support of Business Durham and the Rail Alliance.
Chairman David Land said: “We’ve had some fantastic feedback from exhibitors and attendees, many of whom are planning to return next year which is what we want.
“It’s particularly pleasing to hear that a company of Stadler’s size and stature was so impressed with our event that they’re likely to exhibit again. They’d never been involved before but had only good things to say about the day and have certainly made some excellent contacts within the rail supply chain, which of course was a key theme of this year’s event.”
Another company impressed with the event is laser cutting and engraving company Trotec, who are based in Washington.
Marketing Manager Sian Sweeney said: “I was so impressed with the organisation of the event and the quality of the visitors. We made some good quality contacts and I was pleased at the level of exposure the Trotec brand received at the show and through its supporting social media.”
Oktoberfest 2018 returns on Thursday, October 18. For updates on the event, or to book as an exhibitor, visit durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.